HAMPSTEAD, N.C. — Frances Doss Pitcher, 91, formerly of Keene, N.H., passed away March 26, 2013, in Hampstead, N.C., after a short period of failing health following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and a recent hip surgery.

Frances was born on December 23, 1921, in New York City to John and Lillian Doss.

In 1946, she met and married Frederick S. Pitcher and moved to North Swanzey, N.H. Mr. Pitcher died in 1970.

Frances resided in the greater Keene area for 35 years. After working as the traffic manager at the old Keene radio station WKNE, she spent 20 years as the church secretary at St. James Episcopal Church in Keene, where she was also a long-term member of the senior choir and drove the bus for the Jiminy Cricket Nursery School.

She served as the Keene City Clerk from 1972 to 1981. In 1981 she moved to Billerica, MA, to be closer to her grandchildren. Until her retirement in 1986, she worked at Mitre Corporation in Burlington, MA. After her retirement Frances volunteered at the Billerica Memorial Library and was a whiz at repairing books.

Frances lived for a time with her daughter Joan in Hampstead, N.C., and also spent several years near her daughter Pam in Rutland, VT.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Woodbury Wellness & Rehabilitation Center for their support in her final days.

Memorial contributions may be made to Operation Smile in her name:www.operationsmile.org. Operation Smile provides free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities for children around the globe. Condolences can be made at www.andrewsmortuary.com.